Consultation on heritage policy launched

That is the message from Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson as she announced the beginning of consultation on four new policy papers.

The papers cover Scheduled Monument Consent, Listed Building Consent, Listing of Historic Buildings and the conservation of and access to Properties in Care.

Ms Ferguson emphasised how important Scotland’s heritage is to the country, saying: “Millions of people visit Scotland to enjoy our castles, monuments and landscape. Our history can be seen all around us and continues to play a role in many of our lives.

“Owners of historic sites, local authorities, the Scottish Executive and everyone with an appreciation of our shared past – we all have a part to play in preserving important buildings and monuments. It is imperative that all interested parties take this opportunity to be a part of this crucial debate.”

The papers are part of the Scottish Historic Environment Policy series, two of which have already been published.

Local authorities, heritage groups and members of the public can access documents at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/consultations.

Ms Ferguson added: “A common misconception is that conservation means saying no to change. It is not, it is about managing change and that is what is at the crux of these papers.

“By opening up the discussion and gathering a wide range of views we can shape policy to ensure that the best legacy possible is passed on to future generations.”

Notes to Editors

1.The Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) series sets out Scottish Ministers strategic policies for the historic environment and provides greater policy direction for Historic Scotland. The paper can be viewed at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/sheps

2.The first two SHEP papers to be published were Scotland’s Historic Environment and Scheduling. Consultation on SHEP 3 Gardens and Designed Landscapes has ended and it will be published later this year.

3.The SHEP series is intended to sit alongside and complement the Scottish Planning Policy series and other relevant Ministerial policy documents.

4.Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

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